Here's an interesting little tidbit from c|net that didn't escape our 'news bots' - for obvious reasons!

It seems some people are using Skype as an actual platform for delivering podcasts, and not just as a means-to-an-end tool to communicate with, as Doug and I do when we're in different locales (check out the ANJ 20050308 edition below).

I would argue c|net's point that it takes a "...high level of technical know-how" to accomplish the desired result, but the article does underscore the continuing global march toward an alternate 'radio' broadcasting system. A replacement, perhaps...?

Randy

ANJ is all about giving you alternate takes to mainsteam news. And in this case, this is a mainsteam RUSSIAN take on the occupation of the Baltic Nations.

Pravda's take.

Doug

I love Eastern Europe. To see all the changes these countries have gone through in the past century (and especially since 1989) up close and personal is like walking through a history text.

I love it so much, that in May, my feet will carry me to places like Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania.

This morning, whilst perusing the morning news, I came across

THIS STORY.

Seems German unification isn't so easy after all. 24% of Wessies want the wall back. And 12% of Ossies want to put another brick in it too.

What do you think? The comment lines are open. Just gaze to the right for our email and voxmail info.

Doug

ANJ Tech: We all hate our alarm clocks... and in 4 hours I will really hate mine. But at least a good smack will turn it off.

But check this baby out... no more excuses!

Doug

You gotta love the 'Beeb'. From Friday's edition of BBC News World Edition - Technology:

PODCASTING AND MONEY

Could happen!

Randy

It's cold and white here in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (or Winterpeg, Man-it's-cold-out). I'm here for a couple of weeks to do some work and to housesit.

Trolling the online media this morning, I've found some interesting tidbits that you might want to check out:

DRUDGE has a report on the HBO Film that takes you behind the scenes of the left leaning US radio network Air America.

DRUDGE REPORT - AIR AMERICA

On Wednesday 3/23/05, Canada's GLOBE AND MAIL newspaper had a rather large article on podcasting. You'll have to register, but it makes for good reading:

GLOBE AND MAIL - Podcasting (registration req)

Have no fear: the next ANJ is coming soon. And remember: your story ideas, thoughts, and bricks are welcome. Gaze to the right for our direct line. Give us a buzz!

Cheers!

Doug

...is podcasting suddenly making it's way into the worldwide mainstream media?

There have been sporadic stories over the past few months, true, but in the last week it seems everybody's taking notice. And not just with simple 'sidebar' stories.

It seems to us that the 'MM' (mainstream media) is more than just interested in reporting the latest 'media craze' (their words), they're getting concerned.

We remember a time (not so long ago) when TV news organizations began soliciting home video from viewers. The idea was that ordinary citizens were, in a lot of cases, the 'first responders' to a possible newsworthy event - be it a traffic accident a fire or what have you.

Cameramen and reporters were furious believing that their very livelihood was at stake, that their jobs would be taken over by hobbyist handycamers. The fact is, some of that did occur.

So, the question is, does the advent of blogging, and more specifically podcasting, threaten the very foundation of journalism...? We're beginning to hear rumblings!

We'd be curious to know what you think. If you've read or heard anything lately in the MM regarding podcasting's impact, let us know. Send us the link. We'll make this the subject of a future edition of ANJ with your input.

Randy

Although ANJ is still young, we are already getting attention. Just yesterday we were interviewed by "Macleans," Canada's national news magazine.

The story, we gather, will be about podcasting in general with a Canadian angle. Will ANJ get its moment in the spotlight? Stay tuned.

You'll be able to hear more of the interview during an upcoming ANJ.

Speaking of which, we are planning to post shorter ANJ podcasts called ANJ RAW. These will take you behind the scenes of ANJ to see where and how we get our stories/ideas.

You know the email, but there is another way to contact us here at ANJ: the phone. Just dial: 206-888-2708.

R&D@ANJ -> altnewsjournal@gmail.com

Et 'two', Brute! The second coming of AltNewsJournal.

A couple of interesting items in this edition... Doug spent the past three weeks in Central America for some much-deserved R&R, so we set-up our Skype and our respective MD recorders and produced this podcast. We talk about the tech involved in doing something like this -- no biggie, really -- and also about the country of Belize where Doug spent most of his time.

On the pop culture side of the equation we dip into Martha, so to speak. She's been released, as we all know, but with a new fashionable ankle bracelet. We look at where her new-found freedom might lead her. Plus a bunch of the usual.

Music again courtesy of the Artofficials

Welcome back, and as always, do let us know what's on yer troubled mind!

R&D@ANJ -> altnewsjournal@gmail.com

And so it begins! Welcome to the first of what we hope will be many editions of ANJ - AltNewsJournal.

In this, our first edition, Doug and Randy take a look at a modern-day concept of 'free speech' - warts and all. Plus, for the conspiracy buff in you, a discussion about 'hidden cities' - yes, they DO exist!

Like idots, we forgot to mention the source of the music in this edition. It's from a Vancouver indie band called "Artofficials" - check 'em out. (www.artofficials.com)

Welcome! And do tell us what you think.

R&D@ANJ -> altnewsjournal@gmail.com